About this tool
Fuel is often the smaller part of a car’s cost. The biggest share is usually depreciation, followed by interest, insurance, vehicle tax, maintenance and tires. The calculator adds everything up over the period of use and shows the real cost per month and per kilometer.
For leasing you enter the monthly rate, down payment, fees and the agreed kilometers. The calculator puts both options side by side with the same running costs – if maintenance is part of the lease it is left out there – and shows which is cheaper.
How it works
- Enter the period of use, kilometers per year, consumption and energy price.
- Enter the running costs per year and, for buying, the price, expected resale value and interest.
- Fill in the lease details to compare and read the cost per month and per kilometer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I estimate the resale value?
Check what comparable cars with the age and mileage at the end of your period of use cost on used car marketplaces today. As a rough guide, new cars often lose about half their value in the first three to four years.
Why does buying include interest if I pay cash?
The money in the car could earn interest otherwise. The calculator applies the interest to the average capital tied up – the mean of purchase price and resale value. With a loan enter the loan rate, otherwise the rate you would get on your savings.
What is missing in the calculation?
Inflation, rising prices, loan fees and damage at the end of a lease. When returning a leased car, extra costs for damage may apply. Calculate the German vehicle tax with the German Vehicle Tax Calculator and the fuel cost of single trips with the Fuel Cost Calculator.
Is leasing cheaper for private drivers?
It depends mainly on the rate, the down payment and the resale value you would get when buying. Leasing is more predictable and protects you from a higher depreciation than expected. Buying usually pays off if you keep the car for a long time. Work through a loan in detail with the Loan Calculator.